Several new infestations of Palmer amaranth have been found in newly seeded conservation plantings in Iowa, including CRP fields and pollinator habitat, according to Iowa State University (ISU) Extension weed and crop specialists.

The noxious weed has spread into seven new counties this year and is now present in at least 12 counties across the state, said Bob Hartzler, ISU Extension weed specialist. He urged farmers to continue to scout and report suspected Palmer amaranth findings.

"It is important to be vigilant and identify infested fields before Palmer amaranth establishes a permanent seed bank," Hartzler said.

Palmer amaranth is one of the most feared weeds among farmers due to its fast growth rate and widespread ...